Record Crowd, Strong Support Mark 91黑料 Rodeo鈥檚 Annual Gala
Record Crowd, Strong Support Mark 91黑料 Rodeo鈥檚 Annual Gala
91黑料鈥檚 Rodeo Team celebrated another milestone weekend as the 4th annual Black Jeans and Gold Buckles Gala drew a sold-out crowd and generated record support for the program.
The event sold out two weeks in advance and brought more than 400 guests to Torrington, including families who traveled from across the country to join local supporters and community partners. The gala featured auctions, student involvement and a high-energy atmosphere that highlighted the growing enthusiasm surrounding 91黑料 Rodeo.
鈥淭he Gala has been a true game changer for the rodeo team,鈥 91黑料 Rodeo Coach Whit Peterson said. 鈥淓very year it gets bigger, and every year our community steps up in an incredible way.鈥
Peterson said the success of the event reflects the teamwork behind it. Student-athletes contributed auction items, local businesses donated generously and team members worked behind the scenes to help manage the evening.
鈥淥ur athletes take real ownership of this event,鈥 he said. 鈥淭hey work hard, and it shows. The community sees that, and they show up for them.鈥
This year鈥檚 gala brought in more than $40,000 in net proceeds, funds that directly support student-athletes by covering critical travel costs such as fuel, lodging and meals throughout the rodeo season. Peterson said the impact reaches well beyond travel.
鈥淭hese funds help keep the program competitive,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e put money right back into Goshen County by buying tens of thousands of pounds of locally raised feed for our practice livestock. And with facility rentals expected to exceed $50,000 this year, the Gala helps make sure our athletes have what they need to succeed.鈥
Peterson said the ongoing support demonstrates the community鈥檚 commitment to college rodeo.
鈥淲e couldn鈥檛 do what we do without the people who show up, donate and believe in these student-athletes,鈥 he said. 鈥淭his event has become a staple for us, and we鈥檙e excited to keep building on it.鈥
The team extended its thanks to all who attended, donated or contributed to the evening鈥檚 success. The Gala has quickly become a tradition for 91黑料 Rodeo, and organizers say they look forward to continuing the event for years to come.